AS/A2 Chemistry

AS/A2 Chemistry
AS/A2 Chemistry is the science of matter, examining how the atoms which make up matter interact to form molecules and how those molecules then interact with each other. This course is â€-contextâ€"led'. Chemical concepts are introduced within a relevant context, the course being written as a series of units based on contemporary issues such as the development of medicines, the search for alternative fuels and the role of chemistry in climate change. The course is ideal for anyone who has a general interest in Chemistry, or for whom an A level science is a specific career or university requirement. You will carry out a wide range of activities including a combination of experimental work and theoretical interpretation. A large proportion of your time will be devoted to practical work, developing your skills in handling chemicals and apparatus, and new ideas will be built up from these practical investigations.

AS Course Content
The AS course comprises three units:
1. Chemistry for Life
This unit has two components, The Elements of Life and Developing Fuels. The Elements of Life topic provides an introduction to atomic structure, bonding, spectroscopy and quantitative chemistry. Developing fuels is a topical subject where the chemistry of fuels is examined and the scientific basis for the development of alternatives to fossil fuel use is explored. This topic introduces you to organic chemistry and the energy changes in chemical reactions.
Assessment: is a written exam of 1 hour and 15 minutes (30%)
2. Chemistry of Natural Resources
There are three components, Elements from the Sea, The Atmosphere and the Polymer Revolution. The subjects covered include an introduction to organic chemistry, atmospheric pollution, extraction of elements, polymers and spectroscopy.
Assessment is a written exam of 1 hour 45 minutes (50%).
3. Chemistry in Practice
This Unit is an internal assessment of practical skills and is 20% of the AS course.

A2 Course Content
The A2 course comprises a further three units:
4. Chemistry in Materials
In this unit students look at the identification and synthesis of pharmacologically active materials in drugs and medicines, how polymers are designed, the chemical basis of life, and the manufacture and properties of important industrial materials such as steel.
Assessment: 1 hour 30 minutes written exam (30%)%
5. Chemistry by Design
The role of chemistry in food production, the chemistry of colour, equilibria and climate control and organic synthetic chemistry with modern analytical techniques are among the topics covered in this unit.
Assessment: 2 hour written exam (40%)
6. Chemistry Individual Investigation
Students plan, carry out and analyse the results of an extended chemical investigation, with a period of up to 18 hours spent on practical work in the laboratory.
Assessment: Interrnal assessment (30%)

Is Chemistry for you?
You will enjoy and benefit from Chemistry if you:

are keen to explore the building blocks of all matter;
are interested in both the theoretical background and the practical applications of chemistry;
would like to carry out practical work in a laboratory, both as an individual and in small groups.

Chemistry and your future
Chemistry opens the door to a wide range of degree courses, and so careers: chemical research, pharmaceuticals, biology, medicine, food sciences, forensic science, environmental health and many engineering courses. It is also useful for some courses in nursing and other medial professions e.g. physiotherapy. Other useful courses to study with Chemistry include Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Studies and Psychology: if you are interested in management in the above areas, you can also combine it with Business and Economics.

Visits & Visitors
You will have an opportunity to visit a local company to see chemistry at work. We invite local scientists to talk to our students about their work. Recent visitors have talked about their research into the structure and behaviour of proteins.